N.Y. dairy farmers: We’re Number 3

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The Cuomo administration says New York is back to being one of the nation’s top three states when it comes to milk production.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms that New York passed Idaho in 2013 to become the nation’s third largest producer of milk, trailing California and Wisconsin. New York topped Idaho by 57 million pounds of milk last year.

It’s the first time since 2009 that New York has ranked third nationally in milk production. The state had a 37-year run in the No. 3 spot starting in 1972.

New York’s milk production rose in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year. State officials credit the growth to the increased demand for milk, thanks in large part to New York’s booming yogurt industry.